Brian Kingsbury Leaves Saint Michael's to Head Upstart Lynn University

Brian Kingsbury has resigned as Saint Michael's head coach to take over the upstart Lynn University (Fla.) program, according to news releases from both schools on Wednesday afternoon.

Kingsbury is tasked with building the Lynn Fighting Knights program from scratch and leading them into NCAA and Sunshine State Conference competition for the 2014 season, Lynn's news release said.

A search for Kingsbury's replacement is under way, Saint Michael's stated.

“Lynn University is excited about Brian [Kingsbury] pioneering the lacrosse program,” stated stated Lynn University Director of Athletics Dr. Kristen Migliano, a former student-athlete on the inaugural women’s basketball team in 1993, in the school's release. “He is focused on building a reputable program that fits into the mission and vision of Lynn University. Brian also recognizes the attraction of prospective lacrosse student-athletes to compete for Lynn, as does the University recognize Brian’s ability to lead a competitive program.”

Kingsbury had Saint Michael's ranked as high as No. 9 nationally in 2012, leading the Purple Knights to the Northeast-10 conference championship semifinals in his first year with the program. He spent the three years prior at DIII Castleton State as an assistant and head coach. Kingsbury is a Maryland alum, and he also served as an assistant at UMass for a season.

"I would like to thank Saint Michael's College for the opportunity to lead the Purple Knights as the head men's lacrosse coach, and the players for believing in my system to set records last season," said Kingsbury in the Purple Knights' release. "It has been a wonderful experience developing the relationships within the community. Although this has been a difficult decision to leave Saint Michael's College for Lynn University, I am excited for the opportunity build a reputable, winning lacrosse program in Boca Raton, Fla."

Lynn begins competition in spring 2014 and will join Florida Southern, Florida Tech, Rollins, Saint Leo and Tampa in the Sunshine State Conference, which itself begins play in 2014.

“This is an unbelievable opportunity for lacrosse players who want to play in a sunny, warm climate year round and live three miles from the Atlantic Ocean and beach in Boca Raton, Florida. I look forward to recruiting competitive, good character players who want to earn a solid education, be involved in the community and win lacrosse games," Kingsbury added in the release.